Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Bonaventure was born Giovanni di Fidanza around 1217 in Bagnoregio, Italy. He studied at the University of Paris during the 13th-century scholastic flowering, where theology, philosophy, and newly translated Aristotle shaped intellectual life. He entered the Franciscan Order and became one of its greatest theologians, joining learning to prayer in the spirit of Saint Francis.

In 1257, Bonaventure was elected minister general of the Franciscans, helping guide the young order through internal tensions over poverty, structure, and mission. Later made a cardinal bishop, he took part in preparations for the Second Council of Lyon and died there in 1274. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588, he is remembered as the “Seraphic Doctor,” whose theology burns with love.

Prayer: Saint Bonaventure, help us seek wisdom with humility and love God with both mind and heart. Amen.